Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs: Odds, Predictions and More

The Chicago Blackhawks play their first home game tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here is a brief look at the odds, predictions and any other info you may need before the game.

Predictions and odds: Chicago Blackhawks vs Maple Leafs

The Chicago Blackhawks are 2-0-0 coming into this game after back to back overtime wins. The Blackhawks more or less escaped with a win when they visited the Ottawa Senators. They played a bad brand of hockey but fortunately their speed and skill outmatched the Senators.

Last night, they went into St. Louis for a tough test. In that game, they played a respectable first period but trailed 2-1.

They put together a dominant two-goal middle period and went into the locker room up 3-2 after forty minutes. That second period was the best 20-minutes of hockey I have seen this team play all season. In the third, the Blues came out strong but the Blackhawks simply wouldn’t quit as it was the core who ultimately led the team to a 4-3 in overtime.

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Jonathan Toews scored a hat trick in the contest and his third ended up being the game winner. Additionally, Cam Ward played surprisingly well and made a handful of huge saves to keep the Hawks in the game.

The Blackhawks secured a huge two points early on in the season against a Central Division rival.

Their opponent this evening, the Toronto Maple Leafs, have not been as fortunate to start the year. The Leafs won their first game 3-2 in overtime against the Montreal Canadiens, however they fell 5-3 last night to the Ottawa Senators.

Ottawa, if you were unaware, are unanimously viewed as the projected worst team in the NHL this year.

Tonight, though, it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs — traveling and coming off a bad loss at home to the league’s worst team — against the Chicago Blackhawks — playing their first home game and coming off two huge road wins. The Maple Leafs are 2-goal favorites (3.8-1.8 according to Odds Shark).

As far as the odds go, I’d bet the Blackhawks on the under every single time as I think they have no problem keeping it to a one-goal game. That said, my official prediction is as follows: Blackhawks 4, Maple Leafs 3 in overtime.

The Chicago Blackhawks have had no problem scoring so far this season. Additionally, Cam Ward and the Blackhawks defense have had no problem letting their opponents score as well. Considering that, I think the Blackhawks have momentum and will keep this stream going.

Where to Watch and Who to Watch

This game is being shown on NBC Sports Chicago and in any additional NHL package you have starting at 6pm central tonight. Per usual, you can listen on WGN.

Cam Ward is our starter in goal. Official lines aren’t in, but here’s what the Blackhawks ran during the game yesterday.

1. DeBrincat-Toews-Kahun
2. Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
3. Kunitz-Anisimov-Kampf
4. Kruger-Johnson-Martinsen

John Hayden is in tonight, however it’s unclear who is scratched for him at this time.

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As far as who to watch is concerned, Jonathan Toews and the first line have been red-hot through the first two games. The Captain looked rejuvenated and has put together two straight vintage performances. Tonight we’ll see if these are the exception, or perhaps the new rule.

Coach Joel Quenneville raved about Henri Jokiharju’s performance against the St. Louis Blues last night. He tallied two assists in the contest and looks to continue his solid performance as well.